Mar. 10—On April 18 at 7 p.m., Northwestern will host the Five16 Film Festival (Five16), an annual event that showcases the films of Northwestern electronic media communication students. What started as a small film festival focused specifically on the communication department has grown into a campus- and community wide event drawing more than 600 attendees. The festival was re-branded three years ago, adding the name Five16 in homage to Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

“It’s exciting to watch this event continue to grow year after year,” said Ann Sorenson, MFA, associate professor of communication and festival director. “This is a great opportunity for students to produce creative and engaging videos and receive feedback from professionals in the industry. As the festival grows, so does the level of quality and professionalism in the films that the students are producing.”

The top films in each category (comedy, drama, documentary, music video and animation) are shown the evening of the festival. Each film is required to be less than eight minutes in length and will be judged by a panel of experts and professionals in the film, television and theatre industry.

“We hope our students and community members see the festival as an opportunity to try something new, develop their talent, expand their creativity or just come and enjoy the work of others,” added Sorenson.

View some of last year’s entries on the festival’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/five16filmfestival. Five16 Film Festival is free and open to the public.